jrussell05
New Member
OK, I've been researching the posts here for quite a while. Of course, like everyone else, I have some specific questions and have finally decided to post a few of them.
Here's what I want to do:
1. I want to have multizone audio
2. Control over my Insteon lights
3. Control over my Caddx NX-8E
Here's the equipment I have:
1. One central server PC that will connect to the Caddx and Insteon. It also has a M-Audio 1010LT audio card to provide audio to multiple amplifiers
2. One HTPC in the living room that will be a seperate zone as well.
3. One UMPC or Tablet PC (yet to be determined, suggestions welcome) that will work via WiFi and be the user interface
4. Eventually some Touchpads in the rooms for media control (connect via Cat-5 ethernet, already pre-wired)
5. Windows Vista Ultimate installed on both PCs
Features I want:
1. Control of media and all zones via the Tablet PC or UMPC. I want to be able to brows my library and see album art. I want to be able to play different music in different zones. Not concerned about synchronization.
2. Control of lights and security. Basic control only is fine. Don't need complex macros or anything. Just want to be able to turn stuff on and off.
3. Don't mind spending a little money but it has to work well and be integrated and easy.
That's it really
What I know:
1. I've looked into CQC and MediaLobby and the look a bit expensive for me now.
2. Considering the Girder/Netremote route. However, I understand that I would have to also add J River Media Center for the multizone audio, which adds to the price.
Question:
1. I've already spent money on the Vista/Media Center software. I'm fine with the look and feel of the interface. Is there not some affordable software that can make use of that? I've looked at mControl but I can't see where it does multizone audio well. Most of the software looks geared toward home automation. My focus is mainly on the media aspect.
2. If Media Center is not the way to go. What software is going to give me the best media experience and still have some automation functionality?
I don't mind doing some programming and tinkering but I don't want to burn a lot of time on it.
Thanks in advance,
Jim
Here's what I want to do:
1. I want to have multizone audio
2. Control over my Insteon lights
3. Control over my Caddx NX-8E
Here's the equipment I have:
1. One central server PC that will connect to the Caddx and Insteon. It also has a M-Audio 1010LT audio card to provide audio to multiple amplifiers
2. One HTPC in the living room that will be a seperate zone as well.
3. One UMPC or Tablet PC (yet to be determined, suggestions welcome) that will work via WiFi and be the user interface
4. Eventually some Touchpads in the rooms for media control (connect via Cat-5 ethernet, already pre-wired)
5. Windows Vista Ultimate installed on both PCs
Features I want:
1. Control of media and all zones via the Tablet PC or UMPC. I want to be able to brows my library and see album art. I want to be able to play different music in different zones. Not concerned about synchronization.
2. Control of lights and security. Basic control only is fine. Don't need complex macros or anything. Just want to be able to turn stuff on and off.
3. Don't mind spending a little money but it has to work well and be integrated and easy.
That's it really
What I know:
1. I've looked into CQC and MediaLobby and the look a bit expensive for me now.
2. Considering the Girder/Netremote route. However, I understand that I would have to also add J River Media Center for the multizone audio, which adds to the price.
Question:
1. I've already spent money on the Vista/Media Center software. I'm fine with the look and feel of the interface. Is there not some affordable software that can make use of that? I've looked at mControl but I can't see where it does multizone audio well. Most of the software looks geared toward home automation. My focus is mainly on the media aspect.
2. If Media Center is not the way to go. What software is going to give me the best media experience and still have some automation functionality?
I don't mind doing some programming and tinkering but I don't want to burn a lot of time on it.
Thanks in advance,
Jim